With the result all but decided in the second quarter, interest soon turned to the records being broken on a dismal day for the Saints. St Kilda's 2.3 was its lowest score in a first half against Hawthorn since 1960, but it quickly became clear the Saints were in danger of another unwanted record – their biggest loss to the Hawks. Hawthorn poleaxed the Saints by 129 points at Moorabbin in 1983, but this was worse. The final margin? A brutal 145 points.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson has signalled a big future for Ryan Schoenmakers and the big Hawk wasted no time proving he's hungry to hit the ground running in his new swingman role. Used mostly as a key defender in his previous 64 games, he booted four goals – three in the first half - in his first game back since rupturing his ACL in round four last year. A forward in his junior days, 'Schoey' showed he knows where the big sticks are, slotting three set shots for the match and one quick snap from a contest in the second term. The 195cm big man then further proved his worth by switching down back after Brian Lake was injured in the third term. A heartening return.

Both teams were left counting the injury cost, with three stars suffering injuries. The Hawks may have to face Lance Franklin and the Sydney Swans on Friday night without Norm Smith medallist Brian Lake and Sam Mitchell. Lake pulled up short in the third term and could barely walk to the bench with a calf issue, which could be the same injury that hampered him earlier this season. The Hawks had already used their substitute at quarter-time when Mitchell was forced from the game with a right hamstring strain. Meanwhile, Saints' 100th-gamer Jarryn Geary hyperextended his right elbow in the second term and was almost immediately substituted out of the game.

When Nick Riewoldt kicks goals, St Kilda wins games. In St Kilda's three victories this season, he has booted two bags of five and one of three. But in the Saints' three previous losses, the 31-year-old champ slotted only five majors. However no one could blame Riewoldt for only going scoreless against the Hawks, with the Saints only managing four goals. He tried his heart out as always but St Kilda was taught a football lesson by the reigning premiers.

It was one of the darkest days in recent memory for the Saints, but for four Hawks it was a memorable match. Schoenmakers made a super return from his knee reconstruction, while Jordan Lewis celebrated a big win in his 200th career game. First-gamer Billy Hartung showed skill to go with his much-hyped endurance and speed. Ruckman Ben McEvoy was handy in his first game against his old club, while the other man involved in that trade, Shane Savage, battled. It will be a long road to the top for St Kilda, but Jack Billings again showed he will be a future star and Blake Acres didn't look out of place on debut.

Twitter: @TravKing_AFL